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 Just look at them—isn't it dreadful to watch their wooden movements? The dancers are obliged to move stiffly and the children are as immovable as in a trance. Look, isn't it as if some cruel devil had changed human beings into marionettes!"

Professor Roggenfeldt looked at the stranger in some perplexity, and then looking again at the musicians he said:

"I think you exaggerate a little. Of course it's not a first-class band, and Nikish is not there to conduct, but I don't think they deserve such a cruel attack."

The stranger seemed a little confused.

"No, that's true," said he. "I was exaggerating. Please forgive me. You are quite right. But it's dreadful to look upon these good devils. I must go away from such a sight."

He raised his hat again, and, walking off quickly in the direction from which he had come, was soon out of sight.

The old couple looked at one another and both smiled.

"What a strange person!" said the professor."